Because a mini gastric bypass closes off a large part of the stomach and delays food from entering, it is able to limit the volume of food that the stomach can hold and decrease food intake. Consequently, a longer feeling of fullness can be felt by the mini gastric bypass patient.

It also bypasses a longer length of small bowel compared to the Roux en Y gastric bypass hence the mild malabsorption.

The mini gastric bypass creates a long stomach pouch (15cm approximately), which is divided from the rest of the stomach. No food can then enter the rest of the stomach which is below the staple line. The stomach does continue to produce the enzymes and gastric juices which are important for digestion, as well as the absorption of nutrients.

The pouch in the mini gastric bypass is longer than in the Roux en Y gastric bypass to avoid reflux of bile in the oesophagus. The mini gastric bypass is performed with key holes surgery, usually 4 small incisions, and takes around 60 minutes to be completed.

The downside of the mini gastric bypass is reflux of bile. Patients with bile reflux symptoms may need the mini gastric bypass converted to a Roux en Y gastric by pass.

Like all weight loss surgery procedures, the Gastric Bypass is a tool. Used correctly and following the advice given by the OxBariatric team, you can expect to achieve weight loss of between 70-75% of your excess body weight over 2 years.

You will need to make lifestyle changes to work with the procedure. The more you are willing to change, the better the results you can expect.